Pete Thompson had a hell of a summer in Colorado. After years of planning and trying to fly big, epic FAI triangles across the highest terrain in the lower 48 he finally beat a record set only last year by Galen Kirkpatrick when he put down a 275 km FAI in early August. A week later he went even bigger with a 292. Then just two days later he did it again, this time cracking the vaunted 300 for the first time in North America with a 305 km perfectly drawn FAI across some serious Colorado deepness. Pete shares his journey in the sport which began in the early 2000’s, including his recent vol-biv across the state and flying competitions and tandems. We discuss the challenges of flying in Colorado’s unique terrain, the preparation and gear needed for long flights, and the mental and physical endurance required to stay in the air for 10+ hours. Pete also reflects on his past experiences, safety measures, and future aspirations in paragliding, emphasizing the importance of belief and community in achieving great feats.



Pete’s track logs from this summer can be viewed here.



























Takeaways



Pete Thompson has been flying in Colorado for 16 years and has a total of 21 years of experience in paragliding.He completed a Cross Colorado Bivvy Flight trip that took about eight days, combining flying and hiking.Colorado’s weather poses significant challenges for long-distance flights, making it a unique environment for paragliding.Pete achieved a new North American record with a flight of 275 kilometers, showcasing his dedication and skill.He emphasizes the importance of mental endurance and preparation for long flights, often feeling exhausted yet accomplished after each flight.Safety is a priority for Pete, who uses oxygen tanks and carefully assesses risks during flights.He believes that the potential for longer flights in Colorado is still growing, with opportunities for further records.Pete’s journey reflects the importance of community and support in the paragliding world, inspiring others to push their limits.



Sound Bites



“I had a dream”“There’s a fine balance”“It’s just the belief”



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background of Pete Thompson02:47 The Bivvy Flight Across Colorado06:06 Challenges of Flying in Colorado08:59 The Big Triangle Flights and Records11:47 Gear and Preparation for Long Flights14:53 Mental and Physical Endurance in Paragliding17:47 Safety and Risk Management in Paragliding20:40 Future Aspirations and Goals in Paragliding